White Sister (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Burbank, California , United States |
| Products | Music albums, soundtracks |
White Sister was a U.S.-based hard rock and AOR group established in 1980. Their track "Save Me Tonight" was featured on the soundtrack of the 1985 Columbia Pictures movie Fright Night. The song "April" was included in the 1986 Metro-Goldwyn Mayer film Killer Party, where the band also made an appearance. They contributed "Touch the Sky" to the 1986 film Thrashin' starring Josh Brolin. Additionally, "Dancin' on Midnight" appeared on the soundtrack of the 1989 Magnum Pictures release Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers, and "Fashion by Passion" was featured in Touchstone Pictures’ 1990 film Stella starring Bette Midler.
History
White Sister originated in Burbank, California, founded by lead vocalist and bassist Dennis Churchill-Dries, guitarist Rick Chadock, lead vocalist and keyboardist Gary Brandon, along with drummer Gus Moratinos.[1] Their first live appearance took place at The Ice House in Pasadena, after which they went on to headline prominent Hollywood venues such as The Troubadour, West Hollywood, Whisky a Go Go, and Roxy Theatre. In 1981, Moratinos departed due to creative disagreements and was succeeded by Richard Wright.
The band collaborated with Gregg Giuffria of Angel, who produced their demo recordings and their debut album released in 1984 under EMI America Records. Following this release, White Sister requested tour backing from EMI to capitalize on their strong live performances to boost album sales; however, the label refused. EMI also suggested changing their name because it resembled that of another group (Twisted Sister), but the band declined this proposal, citing other successful acts incorporating "white" in their names. Eventually, EMI consented to retain their original name.
Prior to recording their second album Fashion by Passion for FM Revolver, Brandon exited to join British pop musician John Parr on tour. The remaining members completed the album—which included songs like "April" and "Save Me Tonight," co-written with Brandon—under the production of Joel Goldsmith. The group reassembled its lineup and toured across the United Kingdom, where they received a more favorable audience response and developed a cult following while supporting British band FM.
Subsequent activities
Dennis Churchill-Dries, Rick Chadock, and Richard Wright eventually departed White Sister to establish Tattoo Rodeo alongside keyboardist Michael Lord. Signed by Atlantic Records, Tattoo Rodeo released Rode Hard Put Away Wet in 1991, featuring radio singles such as "Been Your Fool" and "Let Me Be the One". They supported this album with tours opening for acts like Bad Company and Damn Yankees. Their sophomore album, Skin, produced by Arthur Payson, followed in 1995.
Richard Wright died on June 14, 2006, at age 44 due to health issues.
Reunion
In 2008, Gary Brandon reunited with Dennis Churchill-Dries and Rick Chadock for a performance at the Firefest rock festival in the UK. A full concert DVD from their Nottingham show was released in 2009 and quickly sold out. Drummer Jason Montgomery performed during these appearances. The band returned to Firefest in 2009 for what became their final show, which was not professionally recorded.
Recent developments
Rick Chadock passed away due to cancer on October 15, 2012.
On May 15, 2015, Dennis Churchill Dries unveiled his solo album "I", which was met with favorable critiques. He is currently collaborating on a new venture alongside Stan Cotey from Giraffe, with a release anticipated in early 2019.
Brandon continues to perform live with his solo ensemble, showcasing his previously unreleased heavy funk-rock collection Radioux City (1989–91), which was issued in May 2017 by AOR Blvd Records (U.K.). For several live performances in 2015, original White Sister drummer Gus Moratinos joined him on stage.
Band members
- Past members
- Dennis Churchill-Dries – lead vocals and bass guitar (1980–2009)
- Rick Chadock – lead guitar (1980–2009)
- Gary Brandon – lead vocals and keyboards (1980–1985, 2008–2009)
- Gus Moratinos – drums (1980–1981)
- Richard Wright – drums (1981–1989)
Studio albums
- White Sister (1984)
- Fashion by Passion (1986)
Soundtrack contributions
Song Title |
Year of Release | Associated Soundtrack |
|---|---|---|
| "Save Me Tonight" | 1985 | Fright Night |
| "April" | 1986 | Killer Party |
| "Touch the Sky" | Thrashin' | |
| "Dancin' on Midnight" | 1989 | Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers |
| "Fashion by Passion" | 1990 | Stella |
External links
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